The use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) throughout this course has helped me learn how to use the new technology as a practical tool that can support my own research, writing, and decision-making processes. My approach to Gen-AI has changed throughout this course, I have learned to use it as a support system rather than a primary source of content creation. Across multiple assignments including the briefing note, grant application, and policy documents; I consistently applied Gen-AI in a structured and controlled manner to improve clarity, organization, and overall quality of my work.

 

One of the most effective applications of Gen-AI in my work was its ability to assist with structuring documents and improving readability. For example, when developing the briefing note and grant application I used ChatGPT to generate outlines, refine timelines, and suggest formatting approaches that made complex information more accessible to the reader. This reflects a key skill in project management, where clear communication and organized documentation are essential for coordinating stakeholders and ensuring project success. However, while Gen-AI was helpful in providing initial structure I found that its outputs often required significant editing to align with the specific context of the organization and the purpose of the document. In many cases, I only used a portion of the suggestions provided, reinforcing the importance of critical evaluation when integrating AI-generated content .

 

In addition to structuring support Gen-AI was most effective in identifying potential research sources and improving the clarity of my writing. The links it generated were often the most valuable component, as they allowed me to independently verify information and expand my research base. This approach aligns with the responsibilities of a project manager who must gather, assess, and validate information from multiple sources before making informed decisions. At the same time, the inconsistency in the quality of these sources highlighted a key limitation of Gen-AI. Some links were not directly useful or required additional navigation on the site to find relevant information. These inconsistencies reinforced the need for independent verification and due diligence when using Gen-AI tools.

 

Throughout the course, I also developed a stronger understanding of the ethical use of Gen-AI. A key aspect of this was ensuring that all final work reflected my own understanding and was written in my own words. I intentionally used prompts that focused on guidance rather than content generation, such as requesting outlines or proofreading support instead of complete written sections. This allowed me to maintain academic integrity while still benefiting from AI-assisted feedback. Additionally, I consistently fact-checked any information provided by Gen-AI by cross-referencing external sources and relying on my existing knowledge of the subject matter. This process was particularly important when I encountered inaccuracies or less relevant suggestions, because it ensured that only credible and appropriate information was included in my final work.

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Another important skill I developed was the ability to critically evaluate and selectively use AI-generated outputs. In several cases, I discarded a significant portion of the material provided including irrelevant source suggestions and formatting ideas that did not meet the needs of the document I was preparing. For example, when using Gen-AI for proofreading and formatting policy documents, I found that while it was effective at identifying grammatical errors and suggesting concise wording, many of its formatting recommendations were inferior to my original structure. This experience reinforced the importance of maintaining control over the final product and using Gen-AI as a tool to enhance a document, rather than document production without external oversight.

 

Looking forward, there are several areas where I can continue to improve my use of Gen-AI. One key area is prompt writing, specifically refining how I ask questions to generate more targeted and useful outputs. While my prompts were effective in guiding the tool toward structure and clarity, further improvement could reduce the amount of irrelevant or low-quality information generated. Another area for growth is expanding my ability to integrate Gen-AI into more complex project management tasks such as risk analysis, stakeholder communication planning, and data organization.

 

By developing these skills I can better leverage AI to support decision-making processes and improve overall project efficiency. I plan to continue practicing with different prompt strategies, focusing on clarity, specificity, and context. I will also explore how Gen-AI can be integrated into project management software and workflows (Teams, Monday.com, etc.) to support tasks such as scheduling, documentation, and reporting. Additionally, I will maintain a strong focus on ethical use by continuing to verify information and ensure that all final outputs reflect my own analysis and understanding.